number is our earth, the third in order from the sun, and one of the youngest of the family. The earth was first gaseous, then liquid, and now solid, at least as to its surface. That the old fires are still smouldering in the interior, volcanoes and earthquakes attest. The gradual cooling down of the mass and the formation of the earth's crust were explained; also the growth of the continents and the accumulation of the rocks and fossils of the successive geological ages. In this way the proper order and sequence can be impressively fixed, and the foundation laid for a detailed study of the subject. I have thus given you an outline of my work, which is necessarily brief and defective. My constant aim was to put teachers on a more solid and more rational footing for purposes of in-' struction. I wished them to recognize the difference between rote teaching and natural or true teaching. I would have them give their pupils thoughts instead of the signs of thoughts, and train them to think rather than parrot the thoughts of others. I tried to follow the principles of what is commonly known as "the new education "—not blindly and slavishly and because they might be new or popular, but because they lead to nature and the truth. All of which I respectfully and obediently submit. T. C KARNS, State Institute Instructor for East Tenn. The character of the work performed at these institutes was the same throughout. The principal objects kept constantly in view were better methods for primary work and grading the country schools. The grading of the country schools was discussed fully at each of these institutes, from the outline given in your report for the year of 1884. I am pleased to report that I have corresponded with parties who attended these institutes, and find that an effort has been made with considerable success to grade the schools. It fact, I know of no failures where an attempt was made. These institutes, being more practical in their work and reaching a larger number of teachers, school officers and patrons, did a work that can scarcely be realized. The citizens everywhere turned out, and before the close the houses where the meetings were held were filled to the utmost, Resolutions were introduced, indorsed by the leading citizens' urging the next General Assembly to make a liberal appropriation for institute work. At Blountville, Judge St. John and the entire bar spent the first half day, taking part in the discussions. FACULTY STATE NORMAL INSTITUTE-CHARLESTON, TENN. July 27-31, 1885. Thos. H. Paine, State Superintendent, Nashville, Tenn. Frank M. Smith, Superintendent Jackson Schools, President and Instructor in Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, English Grammar, and School Management. T. C. Karns and other competent teachers will assist in the work of instruction. LECTURERS. Dr. David Sullins, Emory and Henry College. Va. Prof. J. L. Bachman, Sweetwater, Tenn. Rev. G. R. Stuart, Cleveland, Tenn. Col. W. A. Henderson, Knoxville, Tenn.; Subject, "Nolachucky Jack." FACULTY STATE NORMAL INSTITUTE-BLOUNTVILLE, TENN. August 10-14, 1885. Thos. H. Paine, State Superintendent, Nashville, Tenn. Frank M. Smith, Superintendent Jackson Schools, President and Instructor in Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, English Grammar and School Management. T. C. Karns, Carson College, Mossy Creek, Tenn., Instructor in Primary Methods, Writing, Geography, History and Geology. LECTURERS. Rev. J. Albert Wallace, President King's College, Bristol. Mrs. L. C. French, Principal Female Institute, Knoxville. Hon. N. T. Dulaney, Blountville. Prof. John W. Glenn, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. FACULTY STATE NORMAL INSTITUTE-CLINTON, TENN. August 17-21, 1885. Thos. H. Paine, State Superintendent, Nashville, Tenn. Frank M. Smith, Superintendent Jackson Schools, President and Instructor in Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, English Grammar and School Management. T. C. Karns, Carson College, Mossy Creek, Tenn, Instructor in Primary Methods, Writing, Geography, History and Geology. LECTURERS. Miss Lucy Crozier, Principal Female Institute, Knoxville. Prof. W. G. McAdoo, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and others. I am fully satisfied that fully 5,000 came in contact with these institutes, and were directly benefitted by the work done, and allow me in conclusion to say that it is my candid opinion that you have adopted the true method of institute work, and I trust you may be successful in the future, and that the day is not far distant when the people will demand that means be furnished you to carry this work to every county in the State. Yours truly, FRANK M. SMITH. MEMPHIS, TENN., June 21, 1886. Hon. Thomas H. Paine, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Nashville, Tenn.: DEAR SIR-I have the honor to submit the following report of the West Tennessee Teachers' Institute held at this place June 2d to 13th inclusive: The attendance was quite encouraging, and the entire work of the institute was entered into with enthusiasm by all. Instruction was greatly facilitated by the use of the text-book library and the apparatus of the LeMoyne Normal School, where the sessions of the institute were held. With pleasure I report an undoubted and steady improve ment in the qualifications of the teachers of colored schools in this part of the State. Many of these teachers show a most commendable desire and a determination by private study and otherwise, to become better fitted to perform their duties. I believe these institutes do much toward inciting to this special study and effort. Respectfully submitted, A. J. STEELE, Institute Conductor. Thos. H. Paine, Superintendent Public Instruction: DEAR SIR-I have the pleasure of reporting to you concerning the recent State Teachers' Institute, held at Nashville, Tenn., for the colored teachers of Middle Tennessee: The entire enrollment reached one hundred and thirteen persons, but many who gave their names proved to be transient in attendance. The institute continued three weeks and was followed by an examination by the Superintendent of Davidson County of those who desired certificates for this county. The branches taught were arithmetic, geography, grammar, spelling, United States history, geology of Tennessee, elements of agriculture, theory and practice. Besides these subjects, lectures were given by Prof. A. K. Spence on School Movements; Prof. H. S. Bennett on The Teacher and his Books; Prof. Woolwine on Management; Dr. J. Braden and Mr. W. R. Morris on School Government, and Mr. J. W. Grant on Needs of the Schools. At the close of the institute appropriate resolutions were passed by the teachers, which were published in the American and Banner of July 3d, 1885. The instructors of the institute were H. H. Wright, Principal, Dr. G. W. Hubbard and Miss Jennie H. Hobbs. Respectfully yours, etc., H. H. WRIGHT, Principal. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., July 21, 1885. Hon. Thomas H. Paine, State Superintendent: DEAR SIR-The State Institute (colored) which began July 6th, closed to-day. It has done a great deal of good; great improvement has been made, and the interest was unabated to the last. I held an examination at the close with thirty applicants. Mr. Ridley will send you a report in detail probably to-day or soon. The institute was visited from day to day by many prominent colored citizens; they are all highly pleased (and justly so) with the work. Yours very truly, H. B. HEYWOOD, Superintendent for Hamilton County. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., July 21st, 1885. Hon. Thos. H. Paine, State Superintendent, Nashville, Tenn.: DEAR SIR-The East Tennessee Normal Institute for colored teachers closed this afternoon with an address from Senator Case. After we opened the institute we concluded that the fewer in number of public addresses we had the more time the teachers would have for private study, hence we have given no time to popular addresses except one hour to-day to Mr. Case and a few short talks by our County Superintendent at different times. Mr. Heywood has given us all the aid his health and official duties would permit. We have been fortunate in securing the services of Prof. Gill as my associate in the work. The institute has continued twelve days with an interest beyond my most sanguine expectations. The last two days have been devoted partly to instruction and partly to examination. Yours respectfully, M. E. RIDLEY, Principal. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., July 22, 1885. Hon. Thomas H. Paine, State Superintendent Public Instruction, Nashville, Tenn.: We, the undersigned, on behalf of the teachers of the East Tennessee Normal Institute, assembled at Gilmer Street Building, Chattanooga, beg leave to return our unfeigned thanks for the privileges of this institute, and for the very competent and |